The 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter for San Luis as the club aims to build on its recent successes and establish itself as a formidable force in Mexican football. With a blend of experienced veterans, emerging talents, and strategic signings, the squad is poised to compete at the highest level. This post delves into the detailed composition of the San Luis roster, breaking it down into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Each player’s profile includes their nationality, career trajectory, former clubs, transfer fees, and key attributes that make them integral to the team’s ambitions.
Goalkeepers
Carlos Acevedo
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: Santos Laguna
Transfer Fee: €5 million
Carlos Acevedo, a standout shot-stopper, joined San Luis from Santos Laguna in a high-profile move. Known for his reflexes and commanding presence in the box, Acevedo has been a consistent performer in Liga MX. His ability to organize the defense and make crucial saves in one-on-one situations has earned him a reputation as one of Mexico’s finest goalkeepers. At 28, he brings both experience and leadership to the squad.
Andrés Sánchez
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: Atlético San Luis (youth academy)
Transfer Fee: N/A (Promoted from academy)
Andrés Sánchez is a homegrown talent who has risen through the ranks of San Luis’ youth system. At just 21 years old, he represents the future of the club’s goalkeeping department. Sánchez is agile, quick off his line, and possesses excellent distribution skills. While still developing, his potential has already drawn comparisons to some of Mexico’s legendary goalkeepers.
Jesús Corona
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: Cruz Azul, Twente
Transfer Fee: Free transfer
A seasoned veteran, Jesús Corona joined San Luis on a free transfer after a successful stint with Cruz Azul. At 41, he provides invaluable experience and mentorship to the younger goalkeepers. Despite his age, Corona remains a reliable backup option, known for his positioning and penalty-saving prowess.
Defenders
Unai Bilbao
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao, CD Leganés
Transfer Fee: €3.5 million
Unai Bilbao, a towering center-back, was signed from CD Leganés to bolster San Luis’ defensive line. Standing at 6’4”, he excels in aerial duels and is a threat during set-pieces. Bilbao’s composure on the ball and ability to read the game make him a key figure in the backline.
Jesús Angulo
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: Atlas, Tigres UANL
Transfer Fee: €2.8 million
Jesús Angulo is a versatile defender capable of playing as a left-back or center-back. Known for his pace and tenacity, Angulo joined San Luis from Tigres UANL. His ability to overlap and contribute to the attack while maintaining defensive solidity makes him a valuable asset.
Facundo Waller
Nationality: Uruguayan
Former Clubs: Peñarol, Defensor Sporting
Transfer Fee: €1.2 million
Facundo Waller, a young Uruguayan right-back, was brought in to add depth and energy to the defense. Waller is known for his relentless work rate, tackling ability, and willingness to join the attack. At 22, he has a bright future ahead.
Nicolás Díaz
Nationality: Chilean
Former Clubs: Universidad Católica, Mazatlán FC
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million
Nicolás Díaz, a Chilean international, joined San Luis from Mazatlán FC. A left-footed center-back, Díaz is praised for his ball-playing ability and tactical intelligence. His leadership qualities have also seen him wear the captain’s armband on occasion.
Aldo Cruz
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: Necaxa, Pumas UNAM
Transfer Fee: €1 million
Aldo Cruz is a dependable left-back known for his crossing ability and defensive discipline. Having previously played for Pumas UNAM, Cruz brings experience and consistency to the squad.
Midfielders
Juan Sanabria
Nationality: Uruguayan
Former Clubs: Nacional, Puebla
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million
Juan Sanabria, a dynamic central midfielder, was signed from Puebla. Known for his vision and passing range, Sanabria is the engine of San Luis’ midfield. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and break up opposition play makes him indispensable.
Javier Güemez
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: Club América, Tijuana
Transfer Fee: €1.8 million
Javier Güemez is a hard-tackling defensive midfielder who provides balance to the team. His experience with Club América and Tijuana has honed his ability to shield the defense and initiate counterattacks.
Rubens Sambueza
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Toluca, León
Transfer Fee: Free transfer
Rubens Sambueza, an Argentine playmaker, joined San Luis on a free transfer. At 40, he remains a creative force, capable of unlocking defenses with his dribbling and precise passing. His leadership and experience are invaluable to the squad.
Dieter Villalpando
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: Pachuca, Querétaro
Transfer Fee: €1 million
Dieter Villalpando is a versatile midfielder who can play centrally or on the wings. Known for his work rate and technical ability, Villalpando adds depth and energy to the midfield.
Leonardo Ramos
Nationality: Uruguayan
Former Clubs: Danubio, Montevideo City Torque
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million
Leonardo Ramos, a box-to-box midfielder, was signed from Montevideo City Torque. His stamina, tackling, and ability to contribute to both defense and attack make him a well-rounded player.
Forwards
Germán Berterame
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Atlético Mineiro, Monterrey
Transfer Fee: €4 million
Germán Berterame, a prolific striker, joined San Luis from Monterrey. Known for his clinical finishing and physical presence, Berterame is the focal point of the attack. His ability to hold up play and bring others into the game adds another dimension to his skill set.
Ángel Zaldívar
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: Guadalajara, Tijuana
Transfer Fee: €2 million
Ángel Zaldívar is a versatile forward capable of playing as a striker or second striker. His movement off the ball and ability to link play make him a valuable asset.
Jhon Murillo
Nationality: Venezuelan
Former Clubs: Tondela, Kasımpaşa
Transfer Fee: €3 million
Jhon Murillo, a speedy winger, was signed to add flair and creativity to the attack. Known for his dribbling and crossing ability, Murillo is a constant threat on the flanks.
Ricardo Marín
Nationality: Mexican
Former Clubs: León, Atlético San Luis (youth academy)
Transfer Fee: N/A (Promoted from academy)
Ricardo Marín is a promising young striker who has emerged from San Luis’ youth system. His composure in front of goal and ability to exploit spaces make him one to watch.
Víctor Dávila
Nationality: Chilean
Former Clubs: Necaxa, León
Transfer Fee: €2.2 million
Víctor Dávila, a Chilean international, joined San Luis from León. A versatile forward, Dávila can play across the front line and is known for his technical ability and goal-scoring prowess.
Conclusion
The San Luis squad for the 2024/25 season is a well-balanced mix of youth and experience, with strategic signings aimed at addressing key areas. From the reliable goalkeeping of Carlos Acevedo to the attacking flair of Germán Berterame and Jhon Murillo, the team is equipped to challenge for honors. With a strong defensive foundation, a creative midfield, and a potent attack, San Luis is ready to make its mark in the upcoming season. The blend of homegrown talent and international stars ensures a bright future for the club, both domestically and on the continental stage.
